Does Santa have to play by the rules?

Sunday

Dec 25, 2011 at 7:05 AMDec 25, 2011 at 7:18 AM

We all know that Dec. 25 is when Santa Claus comes to town and that NORAD tracks his trip from the North Pole. While Santa keeps a list of everyone who is naughty or nice, I also know the city has rules governing almost everything, too. Do any pertain specifically to the holiday and Santa's overnight visit?

We all know that Dec. 25 is when Santa Claus comes to town and that NORAD tracks his trip from the North Pole. While Santa keeps a list of everyone who is naughty or nice, I also know the city has rules governing almost everything, too. Do any pertain specifically to the holiday and Santa’s overnight visit?

Ask the Tribune can be a little Scrooge-like about certain aspects of the holiday, which is why she avoids shopping malls, TV commercials and shrill Christmas music. But she certainly would never want to take a regulatory look at Santa’s visit — at least, not until this question came along.

In speaking with the city of Ames Attorney’s Office, she found that there is nothing on the books that is specifically bah-humbug about local ordinances.

“Our municipal code doesn’t provide any specific restrictions against a sleigh or eight tiny reindeer on rooftops,” City Attorney Doug Marek said. “We haven’t historically had a problem with this annual event, so an ordinance hasn’t been necessary.”

Nonetheless, Ask the Tribune and some helper elves over in the legal office did find some possibilities for Santa to consider while making his midnight deliveries:

• The trespassing ordinance. While popping in to deliver gifts, Santa should consider not offending citizens who dislike presents or holiday cheer.

• The noise ordinance. Santa might want to keep those jingle bells to a minimum to avoid a fine.

• The disorderly conduct ordinance. All loud and boisterous behavior should be reined in, which means all that ho-ho-ho-ing should not wake the neighbors.

• The animals at large ordinance. Reindeer should be kept on a harness at all times, and Santa is reminded to be a responsible pet owner and scoop the poop.

• The snow ordinance. Santa should please remember his sleigh may not be left on a snow route if the snow ordinance is in effect.

• The parking ordinance. Santa should remember parking in front yards is not permitted in Ames.

• Drinking and driving. Finally, while the city authorities understand many Ames children will leave Santa some cookies and possibly a cup of good cheer, too much of a good thing can be a problem. Drinking and sleigh driving is not allowed in Ames.

Ask the Tribune was unable to contact Santa Claus for any official comment; his media elf declined to make a statement. But it should be noted the Ames Police Department reported that his name has never appeared on any incident report. The Kringle has a clean record, as far as local law enforcement is concerned. Ask the Tribune considers it good to know that the person who manages the Naughty or Nice List for the world is also known to be nice himself.

Ask the Tribune wishes all a Merry Christmas, with thanks to the city of Ames Attorney’s Office for partaking in this column’s holiday good cheer.